Can anyone suggest private car company for transportation from airport to hotel that you have used and have been comfortable with? I have not been to Florence before, will be traveling solo, and do not want to take a taxi to hotel or shuttle into town.
Thanks much,
Sharon
What is wrong with a taxi? The taxi fare is a flat €20 plus €1 per bag (fares are regulated by the City).
I'm a single female traveller and have often taken a taxi from the taxi stand at the airport to my accomodation. I did this trip by myself most recently 1 week ago (I'm currently in Florence).
It's easy and I've never had a problem in case you are worried about your safety. Many of the drivers understand and speak some English. You can also feel more comfortable if you bring the address of your hotel printed out with you.
As Roberto says, it's a flat rate - well marked on signs at the airport. Just be aware that with all the one way streets in Florence it may seem like a convoluted route to the hotel, but the drivers are very good about knowing the most efficient way to get to your destination.
I am concerned about taking a taxi as the 20 euro rate seems to be to the center of town. I don't know what the extra charge would be to the San Niccolo area and I would be at the mercy of the driver. Also, I don't want to withdraw money from an ATM at the airport. There just seem to be too many unknowns and potential problems with taxis from what I have read.
I have traveled Internationally quite extensively, and have had some problems with taxis. This spring in Istanbul, I had been walking for a few hours and decided to get a cab back to my hotel although it was only a about a half a mile. Before I got into a taxi, I told the driver where I wanted to go and asked the the cost. He gave me a price. I agreed. After we had gone about a block, he doubled the price because there was "traffic". In my best Turkish, I asked him when there was not traffic in Istanbul and said I would get if he didn't agree to the original price. We argued all the way. He drove like a mad man - wrong side of the street when he could, in and out of traffic. He took me where I wanted to go - I paid him what we agreed upon and he took off almost before I got out.
My hotel will provide a driver for 40 euros but that seemed high for such a short distance. I did find a private drive company that charges 30 euros but would prefer a company that someone has used and could recommend. I just thought someone might have used a transportation company that they could recommend.
Thanks,
Sharon
Thank you Shirley. Our messages crossed. I guess a taxi it is!
Sharon
I've never been charged more than 25-26 euro from the airport to my house near viale Europa, which is on the opposite side of town. San Niccolo' is part of the centro storico and they aren't going to charge you by the meter because it would be less money than the flat rate (which was set at an exorbitant level considering that it's only a 10 km ride at most)
Thank you Roberto - as I mentioned to Shirley, I may just be getting too cautious in my old age. Also, I like to know as much as possible about a situation so that when the unexpected comes up, and it will, I will have at least a foundation in place. To me, San Niccolo is central, but I thought maybe because it was across the river, it wouldn't seem so to the taxi driver.
Mille grazie,
Sharon
